Original Article

Mechanical behaviour and bio-corrosion performance of Zn-Cu-Mn based alloys for biomedical applications

¹ Materials Design and Structural Integrity Group, Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Federal University of Technology Akure, P.M.B. 704, Ondo State, Nigeria
² Centre for Nanoengineering and Advanced Materials, School of Mining, Metallurgy and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa

^* e-mail: kalanemek@yahoo.co.uk

Received: 25 October 2024
Accepted: 28 February 2025

Abstract

The mechanical behaviour and bio-corrosion properties of Zn-1.2Cu-xMn (x = 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 wt%) alloys was investigated in this study. The alloy compositions were produced via liquid metallurgical processing and characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffractometry (XRD). The mechanical properties were evaluated using hardness, tensile properties, fracture toughness measurement while corrosion studies in Hank's solution was used to access the bio-corrosion behaviour. The results show that the tensile test of the studied Zn alloys increased in ultimate strength from 79.52 to 112.65 MPa, fracture toughness from 6.99 to 7.71 MPam^1/2 and hardness from 10.59 to 18.80 Hv, but with significant reduction in ductility from 5.21% to 3.63%. The improved mechanical properties were attributed to solid solution and second phase strengthening. The alloys presented appropriate in vitro degradation rates of 25–73 µm/year in Hank's solution. Based on the results demonstrated by the studied Zn-Cu-Mn alloys with suitable mechanical properties and ideal degradation behavior, it is projected as a promising candidate for cardiovascular stent applications.